Brad Barritt was called out to join the British & Irish Lions squad in Australia to act as midfield cover. He was on holiday in Los Angeles when he got the call and made his debut against the Brumbies two days after arriving in Sydney. His last game prior to the game in Canberra was in the Heineken Cup semi-final defeat against Toulon at Twickenham Stadium on 28 April.

His staunch tackling and organisation have seen him become the cornerstone of England’s defence having played in 16 of their last 17 Tests. He made his international debut, alongside Saracens team-mate Owen Farrell, against Scotland at Murrayfield last year and he started every game in the 2012 RBS 6 Nations Championship.
He went on to play twice against his native South Africa during the summer tour but missed the second Test after an operation to repair a lacerated eyeball. The climax to his four starts in the 2012 November internationals was his maiden Test try in the record victory over New Zealand at Twickenham.
His defensive attributes came to the fore when England beat Ireland 12-6 a